Advances in dual-site mechanisms for designing high-performance oxygen evolution electrocatalysts

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER), owing to its low kinetics, is a major obstacle to electrochemical water-splitting, which is essential for converting sustainable energy into clean and stable hydrogen energy carriers. The growing need for high-performance electrocatalysts to meet industrial demands, along with a deepening exploration of the OER catalytic process, has led to advancements in OER catalyst design—from conventional single-site mechanisms (SSMs) to more sophisticated dual-site mechanisms (DSMs). However, DSMs, with their complex reaction pathways, still face multiple challenges in progressing towards industrial application, making a deeper understanding of these mechanisms essential. This review first examines the latest DSMs associated with the OER and compares them with conventional SSMs. On this basis, we highlight the structure–activity relationships and design principles of catalysts that align with DSMs by integrating experimental evidence with theoretical analysis. In addition, quasi in situ and in situ spectral detection techniques for DSM analysis are introduced, and the challenges and prospects for these new detection techniques are discussed. • The latest dual-site mechanisms in the OER process are systematically summarized. • The rational design principles of catalysts following these new mechanisms are discussed. • The rational characterization and detection techniques for dual-site mechanisms are summarized. • The future prospects and challenges for the development of dual-site mechanisms are presented.